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Announcement

New Common Course Numbering (CCN) System Implemented for Fall 2025

Phase I of a state-mandated initiative — aimed at simplifying student transfer and ensuring uniformity in course numbers across California Community Colleges — is underway for Fall 2025. This impacts six Foothill courses plus their honors course version. View the six courses listed here.

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Physics

PHYS 12

INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS

5 units

View Course Description ↗ View Course Outline

Description: Non-mathematical introduction to the ideas of modern physics, intended for majors in the physical sciences. Introduction to the history and ideas of physics, focusing on three areas of modern physics: thermodynamics and the concept of entropy, Einstein's special and general theories of relativity, and quantum mechanics. The key ideas in these areas are explained using demonstrations, analogies, and examples drawn, whenever possible, from the student's own experience. Examine the impact these physics ideas have had on other fields, such as poetry, literature, and music. No background in science or math is assumed.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra or equivalent.
Corequisite:
Advisory: Advisory: Not open to students with credit in PHYS 12H.
Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
Hours: 5 hours lecture per week. 60 hours total per quarter.
Foothill GE Area:English
Transferability: Both
Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
Foothill Transfer GE Guide